Metal pioneer and Black Sabbath founder Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 76 

Heavy metal legend and Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died aged 76, just weeks after performing at his beloved Villa Park, Birmingham, for a historic farewell gig. 

Titled Back To The Beginning, the recent mega-show brought together many of the biggest names in rock and metal - including members of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, Alice In Chains, Rage Against The Machine, The Rolling Stones, and Black Sabbath’s original lineup - for an epic all-day event that honoured the discography and legacy of Sabbath and Ozzy himself.

Having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, the self-styled ‘Prince Of Darkness’ orchestrated the gig as a way to say one last thank you to the fans who had supported him over the years, the musicians he’d helped inspire, and the place he called home. 

His death was announced last night (22nd July) via a statement from his family, which reads: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis”. 

You can read more about Ozzy Osbourne’s one-of-a-kind final bow below.